[Elecraft] Will a casual operator enjoy the K3?

[Jeff Cathrow]

Tom;  I hope you find a used K3 (they do turn up from time to time yet I always wonder WHY?) or better yet, decide to take the full plunge and build a kit.  While I had a negative kit building experience once prior (DownEast Microwave transverter with lots of surface mount devices to solder) I decided to build from Elecraft's line  to save a few of my hard-earned dollars.  I am so glad that I did! I enjoyed the experience far more than I ever expected.  The manuals are so well-written and everything is pictured clearly that I now liken the experience to a bit of painting, pottery making or basket-weaving; it is actually therapeutic!   There is no soldering involved and it is much more akin to assembling a piece of furniture or a set of Leggo blocks. I paced myself and took my time.  I familiarized myself with the myriad tiny screws, nuts and bolts that comprise 90% of the "building."  I set up a clear workspace prior to the kits arrival and got an anti-static mat from Radio Shack to play it safe (lots of circuit boards to protect). I built my fairly loaded K3, P3 and KPA500 all from Elecraft's excellent kits---and would do it all again in a heartbeat should I need another piece of Elecraft gear (maybe I'll add the 2M module next). If you can't find a used K3 in a reasonable amount of time why not try building one instead?  You only live once! (Look me up on QRZ if you would like to see a few pix of me assembling my kits) Btw,  I am also a more or less casual SSB operator as well---unless six meters is hot---then I turn into rabid DX hound.That's when the dual receivers come in handy along with the P3's display---but that's another story altogether. One feature that I really like about my K3 that hasn't been pointed out yet is the fact that you can "lock out" unused bands very easily.   For instance, since I currently only have antennas up for 20 meters and 6 meters those are the only bands I have running on my K3 now.  I don't ever have to jump through all the other bands to get from 6 to 20 or vice-versa.  If I put up antennas for other bands then I can switch those bands back into play easily as well. The K3 is your very own "Custom Rig" all the time and that brings me more joy than I can adequately describe. The K3 is my forever rig  You will never regret purchasing or building one either, Tom---I guarantee it!
73,
 
Jeff,  NH7RO   EL18la K3k 5528 P3k 1397  KPAk500 0250